Boldness Through Faith: Trusting Jesus for Transformation
Summary
In a discourse centered on the theme of boldness through faith in Jesus, the message begins with an emphasis on the importance of instilling trust in God from a young age. It is highlighted that taking refuge in the Lord rather than trusting in man is a valuable lesson, one that children are being taught in their ministry. This foundational truth is said to protect individuals from harm, enable them to love others as Christ does, and provide a confident rest in God that overshadows worldly worries.
The discourse then transitions to the concept of boldness, which is described as a quality that seems to be lacking in the world today. However, it is asserted that Jesus has commissioned believers to reintroduce boldness to the world. This boldness is not to be confused with arrogance or foolishness; rather, it is a result of confidence that comes from faith in Jesus. The message underscores that boldness is a fruit of becoming confident in Jesus, not something that can be mustered up through human effort.
The speaker references 2 Corinthians 3:12, which speaks of a new way of confidence that allows believers to be bold. This boldness is said to have several effects: it enables people to take steps beyond their limits, it is characterized by a confident humility that reveals what Jesus can do with the impossible, and it shows that Jesus has made individuals new. The message emphasizes that boldness is the opposite of the world's way of thinking, where down situations can bring upliftment and needs are not always hopeless.
A personal story is shared about a time when the speaker had to make a decision to trust Jesus with a financial matter. This decision, although seemingly small at the time, set the stage for greater acts of faith in the future. The speaker reflects on how trusting Jesus with small steps led to trusting Him with much larger, seemingly impossible situations.
The message further explores the contrast between the old covenant, represented by the law given to Moses, and the new covenant of the Spirit, which brings life and righteousness. It is explained that the new covenant is far more glorious than the old, which was fading away. The new way through the Holy Spirit gives life and produces boldness in believers.
The speaker then speaks to the congregation, affirming that he sees boldness rising in them. This boldness is evident in various aspects of church life, including missions, inviting people to church, and making decisions that reflect a life changed by Jesus. The message concludes with an encouragement to trust Jesus with personal matters that may cause doubt or fear, as this trust leads to greater victories.
Key Takeaways:
- Boldness in faith is not a natural human trait but a supernatural quality that emerges from a deep confidence in Jesus Christ. It is a divine enablement that allows believers to transcend their limitations and exhibit a courageous spirit that can influence their surroundings and inspire others. [16:29]
- True boldness is distinguished by a confident humility, which acknowledges the power of Jesus to accomplish what was once deemed impossible. This humility is not self-deprecating but rather a recognition of the sufficiency of Christ's strength in our weakness, leading to a life that continually reveals the transformative work of Jesus. [17:10]
- The new covenant, characterized by the ministry of the Spirit, is far more glorious than the old covenant of the law. It brings life and righteousness, empowering believers to live boldly in the present, rather than being tethered to a past that has been redeemed by Christ. This understanding should shape the believer's identity and daily walk. [37:38]
- The decision to trust Jesus in areas of doubt or fear is not merely about overcoming those specific challenges; it is about allowing God to shape our character for long-term, generational impact. Each act of faith is a step towards fulfilling the greater purposes that God has predestined for us. [29:48]
- Boldness is not only an individual trait but also a corporate characteristic of a church community. When believers collectively step out in faith, whether through missions, ministry, or personal transformation, they demonstrate the power of the gospel to change lives and impact the world. This collective boldness is a testament to the living and active presence of Jesus within the community. [43:16]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 118:8 - "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."
2. 2 Corinthians 3:12 - "Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 118:8 teach us about where to place our trust?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 3:12, what is the source of our boldness?
3. In the sermon, what are the three benefits mentioned for children who learn to take refuge in the Lord from a young age? ([04:32])
4. How does the speaker describe the difference between boldness and arrogance or foolishness? ([10:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does taking refuge in the Lord from a young age protect individuals from harm and enable them to love others as Christ does? ([04:32])
2. What does it mean to have a "confident humility" as described in the sermon, and how does it differ from arrogance? ([10:04])
3. How does the new covenant, characterized by the ministry of the Spirit, bring life and righteousness compared to the old covenant of the law? ([37:02])
4. Reflect on the personal story shared by the speaker about trusting Jesus with a financial matter. How did this small act of faith lead to greater acts of faith in the future? ([26:04])
#### Application Questions
1. Think about a specific area in your life where you have been placing your trust in man rather than in the Lord. How can you begin to shift your trust to God in this area? ([04:32])
2. The sermon mentions that boldness is a fruit of becoming confident in Jesus. What steps can you take this week to grow your confidence in Jesus? ([14:28])
3. The speaker shared a story about making a bold decision to trust Jesus with a financial matter. Is there a small step of faith you can take this week that might lead to greater acts of faith in the future? ([26:04])
4. How can you cultivate a "confident humility" in your daily interactions, recognizing the sufficiency of Christ's strength in your weakness? ([10:04])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of boldness in the church community. What is one way you can contribute to fostering a culture of bold faith within your small group or church? ([43:16])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt fearful or doubtful about a decision. How can you apply the message of trusting Jesus with personal matters to overcome this fear or doubt? ([29:48])
7. The new covenant brings life and righteousness. How can this understanding shape your identity and daily walk with Christ? ([37:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Boldness Beyond Self
Boldness through faith is not innate but a divine gift that emerges when one places unwavering confidence in Jesus Christ. This supernatural boldness empowers believers to step beyond their human limitations and to act with a courage that can reshape their environment and inspire others. [16:29]
Hebrews 13:6 - "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"
Reflection: In what situation do you need to replace fear with godly boldness, and how can you actively trust God in this area today?
Day 2: Humility as Strength
True boldness is marked by a humble acknowledgment of Jesus' power to achieve the impossible. This humility is not about belittling oneself but about recognizing the sufficiency of Christ's strength in our weakness, which leads to a life that continually showcases Jesus' transformative power. [17:10]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
Reflection: Can you identify an area where you feel weak and need God's strength? How can you embrace this weakness as an opportunity for God's power to be displayed in your life?
Day 3: Living in the New Covenant's Glory
The new covenant, brought to life by the Spirit, surpasses the old covenant's glory, offering righteousness and empowering believers to live with boldness. This new way frees us from the past and shapes our identity and daily walk in the light of Christ's redemption. [37:38]
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How does understanding the new covenant change the way you view your relationship with God and your daily life?
Day 4: Trusting Jesus for Generational Impact
Deciding to trust Jesus in moments of doubt or fear is not just about overcoming challenges; it's about shaping our character for a lasting legacy. Each step of faith is a stride towards the greater destiny God has prepared for us. [29:48]
James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Reflection: What small step of faith can you take today that might lead to a larger impact in your life or the lives of others?
Day 5: Corporate Boldness as a Church Identity
Boldness is a collective trait of a church community that manifests through missions, ministry, and personal transformation. This shared courage is a testament to Jesus' active presence and the gospel's power to change lives and influence the world. [43:16]
Ephesians 4:15-16 - "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to the collective boldness of your church community this week?
Quotes
1) "Boldness does not come from trying to be bold; it is simply the fruit of becoming confident in Jesus." [15:10]
2) "Bold people take steps daily beyond their limits and beyond their abilities, physically and emotionally, because their confidence is now in Christ." [16:29]
3) "Bold people have a confident humility that keeps revealing what Jesus will do with what was once impossible." [17:10]
4) "I see boldness in you because I see Jesus. If you've repented of your sin and turned to Jesus, God now sees Jesus in you." [13:53]
5) "The decision to trust Jesus with what we are fearful or doubtful about will only lead to the opportunity for greater victories." [33:54]
6) "The ministry of the Spirit is even more glorious than the old covenant. It brings righteousness and life, empowering us to live boldly in the present." [37:38]
7) "I see boldness rising in you. I don't preach boldness to make people bold; I preach because I see boldness rising and to encourage what is already happening." [43:16]
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